There is no complexity in resolving problems of IDPs from Donbas in Ukraine – “Restoring Donbas”

10:30 / 28 May. 2015 / 342

Nowadays, in Ukraine there is no consistency in decision-making and policy formulation concerning the displaced persons of Donbas. It was stated by Elena Petryayeva, the head of the community initiative “Restoring Donbas”, during a round table on the problems, which IDs cope with. First of all, this is due to the absence of a single institution that would be responsible for the displaced persons and work with them in Ukraine.

“It would be logical, if the State Agency of Ukraine for the restoration of Donbas (which was created in September 2014) was engage in these affairs”, – said Elena Petryayeva. However, “during 7 months of its existence, the Agency have not worked. Head of this Agency had been working just for 21 days”.

Thus, according to Elena Petryayeva, there is inefficiency concerning restoration of Donbas. According to the head of the initiative, the only output of situation could be establishment of a special authority in the format of the Ministry or the authorized person (profile prime-minister), who could coordinate the work related to IDPs.

Another option would be an independent agency, possibly established on the basis of social organization. Both options should be carried out with obligatory participation of international experts and compulsory public control over the work of this organization. Employment agencies have to be absolutely transparent.

Elena Petryayeva noted: “This will create an effective mediator between the government and displaced persons. One of the first steps of this ministry should be developing of comprehensive programs that do not provide large expenses from the state budget, but contribute to the economic activity of IDPs. First of all, it is about state programs on employment and accommodation”.

Lubov Bershadskaya, the head of the organization providing social services to the State Service employment, applied with the request to “Restoring Donbas” to initiate of creation of such a single body before the Cabinet of Ministers.

According to the head of “Restoring Donbas”, only 9,300 people among 272 thousand IDPs of working age were employed by the State Employment Center from the beginning of the conflict. This demonstrates the lack of effectiveness of public employment services.

Elena Petryayeva noted: “Subsequently, it is necessary to create (the principle of “single window”) the Centers of room service for displaced persons. It is offered to invite representatives from interested government bodies, volunteers, charitable organizations, the banking sector.

The community initiative “Restoring Donbas” is already launched on its Internet platform several services to help displaced persons, namely: search of accommodation and employment, providing legal advice, virtual office of mutual aid. It is planned to open free assistance on tax issues. The site also includes database of the nearly 100 points of the assistance for IDPs throughout Ukraine.